Headlamp Protective Shield Retaining Means for Screw Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical units for motor vehicles face difficulties in assembling the mask to the frame due to the screw not easily accommodating the self-tapping screw, leading to deviation and the need for manual counter-force, which complicates the process and results in fingerprints, impacting quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating retaining means such as an elastically deformable tongue and pre-positioning guides to ensure the screw's alignment and prevent deviation during assembly, eliminating the need for manual counter-force and reducing fingerprint issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a self-tapping screw is used to fix the mask to the frame, then the assembly process can be simplified, but the screw does not easily accommodate the barrel and tends to move back, requiring manual counter-force and complicating the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing retaining means (such as retaining arms or clips) that are pre-installed on the frame or mask. These retaining means engage with the barrel before the screwing operation begins, preventing the barrel from moving back during assembly. This preliminary engagement eliminates the need for manual counter-force during the screwing process, thereby simplifying the assembly operation while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Reliability
If manual counter-force is exerted during screwing to prevent barrel recoil, then the screw can take hold in the bore, but this manipulation complicates the assembly and leaves fingerprints on the mask or frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing retaining means that automatically engage with the barrel during the assembly process. The retaining means (such as retaining arms or clips) are positioned to contact and hold the barrel in place without requiring manual intervention. This self-acting mechanism ensures reliable screw fixation while eliminating the need for operators to touch the mask or frame surfaces, thereby preventing fingerprint contamination.
3Ease of manufacture
If the barrel is not tapped, then manufacturing is simplified, but it does not easily accommodate the screw during screwing and the mask and frame move slightly apart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing retaining means (such as retaining arms or clips) as a mediating element between the barrel and the screw. These retaining means engage with the untapped barrel to prevent it from moving back during the screwing operation. This intermediary mechanism allows the use of simple untapped barrels while maintaining assembly stability, thereby preserving manufacturing simplicity without sacrificing assembly stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies the assembly process by maintaining alignment and preventing screw deviation, thereby improving the quality and ease of assembly while avoiding residual fingerprints.
Implementation Method 1
said retaining means comprise an elastically deformable tongue capable of cooperating in buttock with a stop
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Headlamp unit comprising a frame (10), a headlamp module, and a protective shield (30) which is attached to the frame (10) by attachment means and is capable of concealing a portion of the headlamp module, the attachment means between the protective shield (30) and the frame (10) comprising at least one shaft (34) supported by one of these elements and having a hole into which a screw (60) is screwed having previously passed through a corresponding opening in a wall (12) supported by the other element, the headlamp unit comprising retaining means (16) provided on the protective shield (30) or on the frame (10) and capable of cooperating, when the protective shield (30) is put in place, with additional means (35) provided on the other one of these elements so as to prevent the shaft (34) from moving away from the wall (12) while screwing in the screw (60).